Meet Rebecca Boyko-Blando: Motion and Graphic Designer, Cat Enthusiast, Plant Woman, and Crafter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Boyko-Blando and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve taken risks my entire adult life. I started community college with no idea what I wanted to do, pursued bowling with full intent to become a professional, signed a four year scholarship to an art school to compete in collegiate bowling, moved back home in 24 hours because of covid and got a full time job, and now I’m starting my business.

I think about risk like this: if I’m scared or nervous it means I care enough to do it.

There are a handful of things that have to be taken care of to mitigate risk that always come to mind: finances must not be strained, expected stress must not continue past a year, and there must be some sort of fallback plan.
All of my life I’ve been blessed enough to have a solid support system and that is what has allowed me to both take risks and mitigate any problems I may have had. Whenever finances, stress, or lack of fallback plan have been a factor I have had wonderful mentors to guide me.

In short, risk has shaped who I am today as well as what I do.
I didn’t care what others had to say, I cared about how the choices made me feel.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m honestly still finding my voice, I love simple design but loud and messy music. I like making vague references in my motion design that only those in the know understand. My other work is passion work. I love crafting and keeping my hands busy. I have Cricut machines and a large array of design software so I am delving into many kinds of things.
I knit scarves, I crochet small bobbles and bits, I will be making keychains and stickers, and here soon I will be adding air plants and house plants to items I can sell. I love to dabble, and I want people to have a small bit of that feeling your stomach gets when you’re excited about something in your day to day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay I’m from Vail. It’s 10 minutes south east of Tucson and two hours drive south of Phoenix.

First night: I’d take you down fourth ave to Cobra, Cafe Passe, Brooklyn pizza, Hippie gypsy, and Lndy’s to start.
Day two: The desert museum, the zoo, Biosphere two, and the Pima Air and Space Museum, finish with some more bars and things on fourth.
Day three: The Loft movie theater for some oldies, Eegee’s for the best cool treat, Scented Leaf for tea, a hike on Mt. Lemmon.
Day four: Sabino canyon hike, Wilcox for the farms, and Benson for the thing.
Day five: Phoenix for the art museums and more time on Mill Ave, where the bars and shops are.
Day six: Up to Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, as well as the meteor crater, and maybe a visit to Sedona.
Day seven: Back down to Tucson for a chill dinner at La Encantada.

You can pretty much do all of the cool stuff in Arizona in a week which is why I love my home state. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh goodness this is a long list. I’ve had so much support it’s crazy to me to look back and I am BEYOND thankful for everyone’s time and effort and love for me. Starting with the family: My dad. He was my mental and (some) financial support through 6 years of college, a few good (and some bad) boyfriends, good and bad life choices, winning bowling tournaments, winning design awards, traveling countless miles with him and on my own, losing friends and opportunities, and lots and lots of late night cry sessions.
My best friend Joe- for always knowing when I needed a laugh, a hug, a drink, or a day trip away from college.
Bill- for being my crisis buddy, the trips out “shopping”, and having the best laughs with me. I’m always down for a cider and to put my pinky up with you!
Traci- my superwoman. Seriously the best mentor-turn-post-college-friend I could have asked for. I am beyond excited to watch her grow in her coding career now that she’s graduated. Margaritas the next time we’re in the same zip code.
Svan, my love, for the honesty, support, and just being the best man in general. I wouldn’t have the comfort or mental drive to do it without him.
My coworkers Diane and Matt-for being my first design back post grad guinea pigs. I’m so glad you loved your wedding invites and allowed me to join in your special day!
My many many many bowling coaches, friends, and teammates through the years for being the best competition and leaders.
My high school art teacher-for always pushing me to look at things differently.
My athletic director, academic and career advisors, and my college coach: you all have no idea how much energy and life you gave me. I have grown so much as a person because of your guidance and some tough love.
For now, that’s the big group I can think of. I know I’m missing some-but if I missed you: thank you and I don’t have the words to express how much everyone of you means to me!

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